A police officer from Aurora, Ohio, was arrested on aggravated assault charges after he was accused of brandishing a handgun at another driver on Interstate 75 on Saturday morning.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers determined that Joseph LaPerna, 48, was driving a 2018 Chevrolet near a 2018 Toyota Corolla and became involved in a road rage incident.

Aurora, Ohio, police Chief Brian Byard confirmed that LaPerna was a member of the force. LaPerna has been with the department for more than 20 years.

"We have been in contact with the Florida Highway Patrol and were advised of the criminal charges associated with the arrest of Officer Joe LaPerna," Byard said. "After consulting with the law director, it was decided that Officer LaPerna would be placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Byard said that once LaPerna’s case has been decided, Aurora officials will make a determination on his status with the department.

Aurora is about 30 miles southeast of Cleveland.

FHP said troopers responded to the incident on southbound I-75 at mile marker 118 near Bonita Beach Road shortly before 11 a.m.

During the incident, LaPerna reportedly brandished a Glock 43 at the male driver and female passenger of the Toyota.

LaPerna was stopped by responding troopers and Collier County deputies on Pine Ridge Road near Seagate Drive in Naples and taken to the Lee County Jail. In addition to aggravated assault, he will also face charges of improper exhibit of a firearm.